Brace yourselves, New Yorkers, whether you’re a proponent or not, legalized sports gambling is likely coming to the Empire State – it seems only a question of when.

The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled that states can regulate sports wagering if Congress elects not to do so.

Despite the trappings and dangers that come with gambling, the court made a reasonable decision, one sought by the State of New Jersey, which had challenged whether the ban was constitutional because it allowed some wagers in Nevada and Delaware.
New York already had hedge its bet on the ruling, so to speak. When voters gave their blessing to allow casino operations to expand beyond sovereign Native American land about five years ago, they also were approving a provision granting those casinos to operate sports books if federal law changed -- or the court ruled such activities are lawful.

But, alas, change rarely happens that swiftly in New York, as proponents of the new casinos can tell you. For decades, the state tried a host of stunts to get around its own Constitution and various federal courts and agencies to expand casino operations before doing it the right way and going before the voters for approval.

As for sports gambling, considering it’s an election year, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s suggestion that a decision may not happen soon should come as no surprise. This is a controversial issue with broad implications. Proponents and opponents are lining up and will make their best arguments. Supporters will say sports gambling will strengthen casinos, giving them more options to attract customers, many of whom are tourists bringing money to the area. Legalizing sports gambling also will bring it out of the shadows, making it a legitimate – and taxable – operation.

For their part, critics cite the profound concerns about gambling addiction and the emotional and financial toll that can take on people and families.

Amid this backdrop, the state Gaming Commission, which is reviewing the ruling, will have to give approval to each casino before taking wagers. And some state lawmakers, including Sen. John Bonacic, R-Mount Hope, Orange County, are supporting a new and broader law before ending their annual session next month. Such a law could extend sports betting to the state's racetracks with video-lottery terminals and allow the facilities to take bets on games through mobile devices.

The safe bet would be to expect no final decision until after the November election. But, considering the court ruling and the state’s propensity to tax anything that moves, legalized sports gambling would seem a lock for New York’s future.

Opinion Engagement Editor John Penney wrote this editorial on behalf of The Poughkeepsie Journal Editorial Board. Email him at mailto:jpenney@gannett.com; follow him on Twitter at @johnpenneynews.